Etapa 2. Vídeo 1. Conceptos básicos en PRL. Tu ruta hacia el éxito profesional

Introduction to Occupational Risk Prevention

Understanding Health and Well-being

• The World Health Organization defines health as a complete state of physical, mental, and social well-being. A person is considered healthy when free from physical diseases or injuries.

• Psychological well-being is also essential; individuals should be able to relate adequately with others socially.

Defining Labor Risks

• Labor risk refers to the possibility of a worker suffering harm. Any situation where there is potential for damage constitutes a labor risk.

Work Conditions Impacting Risks

• Work conditions encompass any characteristics that may influence the generation of risks, including:

• Physical spaces (e.g., work environments)

• Use of equipment (e.g., ladders, machines)

• Environmental factors (e.g., noise, radiation)

• Other conditions include:

• Chemical agents (harmful substances)

• Biological agents (viruses, bacteria)

• Physical exertion and poor posture

• Organizational aspects like instruction methods and employee motivation.

Preventive Measures in Occupational Safety

Overview of Risk Prevention

• Occupational risk prevention involves measures taken at all stages of business activity aimed at avoiding or reducing labor risks.

Health Damage Analysis

• Damage to worker health occurs when risks materialize. Key types of damage include:

• Professional illnesses

• Workplace accidents

• Job dissatisfaction

• Fatigue

Professional Illnesses and Accidents

Understanding Professional Illnesses

• In Spain, a professional illness is recognized if it appears on the official list established by Royal Decree 1299/2006.

• For an illness to qualify as professional, both the disease must be listed and the worker's profession must be capable of causing it.

Example Case Study

• If a worker develops pneumoconiosis due to metal polishing activities, this condition qualifies as a professional illness under Spanish law.

Defining Workplace Accidents

• A workplace accident is defined as any bodily injury suffered by a worker while performing tasks for an employer. Key criteria include:

• The presence of physical or psychological injuries.

Criteria for Accident Classification

• To classify an incident as a workplace accident in Spain:

• The injured party must be either an employee or self-employed with appropriate insurance coverage.

• There must be a causal relationship between the work performed and the injury sustained.

Accident Scenarios Recognized by Law

Types of Recognized Accidents

• Certain situations are legally treated as workplace accidents:

• Accidente in itinere: Injuries occurring while commuting to/from work using appropriate transport routes.

• Union-related accidents: Injuries sustained by union representatives during their duties.

Additional Considerations

• Accidents can also occur when workers perform tasks outside their usual functions if directed by management or initiated independently for company benefit.

Consequences and Complications from Workplace Incidents

Broader Implications

• Injuries caused by work-related activities that do not meet criteria for professional illnesses still count as workplace accidents if causation can be demonstrated in court.

Examples of Complications

• Consequences such as infections acquired during recovery from an accident extend the definition of workplace accidents. For instance:

Workplace Accidents and Employee Well-being

Understanding Workplace Accidents

• Accidents at work caused by professional negligence, such as repetitive tasks, are not classified as workplace accidents.

• Events due to force majeure, like unpredictable weather phenomena, also do not qualify as workplace accidents.

• An example of reckless behavior is when a worker disables safety devices on machinery for convenience, which can lead to social security penalties.

Impact of Job Dissatisfaction

Psychological Effects

• Stress arises when employees feel overwhelmed by demands exceeding their capabilities, potentially leading to severe psychological disorders or psychosomatic reactions (e.g., stomach pain).

• Depression manifests as profound sadness and mental inhibition, reducing attention capacity and increasing the risk of accidents or poor job performance.

Burnout and Fatigue

• The burnout syndrome represents chronic exhaustion and lack of motivation stemming from prolonged stress; it is common in high-demand professions.

• Fatigue can be physical (due to continuous effort) or mental (from jobs requiring high attention), leading to sleep disturbances and other health issues.

Long-term Health Consequences